Simulation of extension, radial and ulnar deviation of the wrist with a rigid body spring model

doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2009.03.008

Journal of Biomechanics

Volume 42, Issue 9, 19 June 2009, Pages 1363-1366

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2009.03.008 Get rights and content

Abstract

A novel computational model of the wrist that predicts carpal bone motion was developed in order to investigate the complex kinematics of the human wrist.

This rigid body spring model (RBSM) of the wrist was built using surface models of the eight carpal bones, the bases of the five metacarpal bones, and the distal parts of the ulna and radius, all obtained from computed tomography (CT) scans of a cadaver upper limb. Elastic contact conditions between the rigid bodies modeled the influence of the cartilage layers, and ligamentous structures were constructed using nonlinear, tension-only spring elements. Motion of the wrist was simulated by applying forces to the tendons of the five main wrist muscles modeled.

Three wrist motions were simulated: extension, ulnar deviation and radial deviation. The model was tested and tuned by comparing the simulated displacement and orientation of the carpal bones with previously obtained CT-scans of the same cadaver arm in deviated (45°ulnar and 15°radial), and extended (57°) wrist positions. Simulation results for the scaphoid, lunate, capitate, hamate and triquetrum are presented here and provide credible prediction of carpal bone movement. These are the first reported results of such a model. They indicate promise that this model will assist in future wrist kinematics investigations. However, further optimization and validation are required to define and guarantee the validity of results.

Introduction

Studies of carpal kinematics in vitro (Kobayashi et al., 1997; Patterson et al., 1998; Werner et al., 2004) and in vivo (Crisco et al., 2003; Moojen et al., 2002; Neu et al., 2001; Sun et al., 2000; Wolfe et al., 2000; Goto et al., 2005) provide useful descriptive data, but do not provide predictions of performance. Computational wrist modeling, including rigid body spring models (RBSM) (Genda and Horii, 2000; Iwasaki et al., 1998; Manal et al., 2002; Schuind et al., 1995) for kinematics and finite element (FE) studies (Carrigan et al., 2003) for stress distributions under static loads have constrained the wrist to neutral or functional (grip maneuver) postures. Analyses are required for the wrist in its full range of motion. This study outlines a RBSM to provide predictions of 3D carpal bone kinematics during low-load daily activities.

Section snippets

Geometry

The model geometry was obtained from computed tomography (CT)-scans of a fresh frozen right cadaver arm in a neutral pose, with consent and as approved by the Queen's Research Ethics Board. Nylon cables were sutured to the tendons of the five main muscles (extensor carpi radialis brevis and longus, flexor carpi radialis, extensor and flexor carpi ulnaris), and selective traction was applied to maintain the arm in extension (57°), ulnar (45°) and radial (15°) deviation while scanning. The bones

Results

The modest forces applied result in low-velocity motion from neutral to full radial deviation over approximately 0.2 s of simulation time followed by a modest extension in the radially deviated position to equilibrium. Speed is similar in the other motions, and each simulation was followed for 1 s during which the model positions pass near the positions obtained from CT. Fig. 3 compares model and CT geometries at their point of closest approach. Total root mean square (RMS) errors of position

Discussion

This RBSM is the first 3D kinematic model to provide credible predictions of carpal bone motion. Such a model may provide better understanding of carpal kinematics under normal and restrained conditions (e.g. fused carpals), assist in implant design, and represents a major step towards accurate predictions in both normal and pathological wrists.

Fusions built into the model for expediency may limit accuracy and must be further explored. Although the second and third metacarpal and the capitate

Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflict of interest to report.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank FunctionBay Inc. for their donation of RecurDyn software and H. Weinbrenner for the technical support, as well as P. Abolmaesumi, B. Ma and T. Bryant for valuable input during the model building process. Support and funding from M. Buergi and B. Heinlein of Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland, and D. Herren of Schulthess Klinik, Switzerland, is gratefully acknowledged. Additional support was provided by an NSERC Canada Discovery Grant to R. Sellens.

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Short communicationSimulation of extension, radial and ulnar deviation of the wrist with a rigid body spring model

Abstract

Introduction

Section snippets

Geometry

Results

Discussion

Conflict of interest statement

Acknowledgments

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Journal of Hand Surgery

Journal of Orthopaedic Research

Journal of Orthopaedic Research

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Journal of Biomechanics

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The Journal of Hand Surgery

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Journal of Hand Surgery

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Journal of Biomechanics

Short communication
Simulation of extension, radial and ulnar deviation of the wrist with a rigid body spring model